Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a global provider of data storage solutions, announced a partnership on June 26 with international non-profit CyArk to digitally preserve Tu Duc Tomb and An Dinh Palace in the Complex of Hue Monuments in the former imperial of Hue.

The digital scanning and archiving of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, approved by the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People’s Committee, commenced earlier this month in cooperation with the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC). All data and images captured from the field exercise will be turned into photo-real 3D models to help enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the research, conservation and restoration of Hue Monuments.

“Last year we presented the Ptolemy Data Science Award to CyArk to recognize exceptional work that changes lives for the better,” said Mr. Robert Yang, Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales at Seagate Technology. “This year, we’re excited to continue our partnership to initiate their very first project in Vietnam and participate in this significant journey of cultural preservation. We are committed to providing the best data storage solutions because we believe in the value data can bring both to the present and the future. By leveraging Seagate’s technologies, CyArk is empowered to securely store, protect and process the data they capture, further enabling all sorts of new possibilities for future generations.”

Hue Monuments was selected by CyArk as part of their international program for digital preservation through aerial surveys conducted with drones, terrestrial laser scanning known as LiDAR, and photogrammetry exercises. CyArk will be producing 3D models and architectural drawings to aid HMCC in the ongoing conservation and management of the site.

Seagate supports CyArk both in the field and the office with its data storage solutions, such as the LaCie® Rugged® Thunderbolt USB-C SSD and 2big Dock Thunderbolt 3, and Nytro® SSD, BarraCuda® Pro 10TB and other high capacity, high performance drives. These devices ensure that the massive 3D capture data files from the field are safely backed up, centralized, and ready for processing to create detailed maps and architectural drawings that aid in the conservation of heritage sites.

The stored data is also used to create exciting, interactive virtual reality experiences for local people, tourists and academics alike while helping to preserve the design and architecture of Hue Monuments’ ancient buildings and structures facing the ravages of time.

“The final production of CyArk’s project, including all the photos taken with drones, LiDAR, etc. and the introduction clips about Tu Duc Tomb and An Dinh Palace will be stored and processed for architectural work, which will help in the research, conservation and restoration of these monuments,” said Dr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of HMCC.

The project raises awareness both of the cultural value of Hue as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the importance of preserving world cultural heritages. Moreover, it demonstrates the possibilities of technology in enriching local peoples’ knowledge of Vietnam’s history, culture and architecture as well as imbues a sense of national pride in the next generation.

“Tu Duc Tomb is an important landmark within the Complex of Hue Monuments and carries important cultural significance for the Vietnamese people,” said CyArk’s CEO John Ristevski. “We are thrilled to be able to digitally preserve this authentic cultural treasure to ensure that the site’s universal significance remains accessible for future generations to come.”

The Complex of Hue Monuments is located in and around Hue in the geographical center of Vietnam. Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hue was not only the political but also the cultural and religious center under the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. The Complex of Hue Monuments site has suffered from the effects of war as well as modern development and expanding human settlement.

In addition, climate change and natural disasters such as floods are other potential problems for long-term management. Today, the Complex of Hue Monuments is wholly owned by the government and protected by the National Heritage Law, as well as a number of other provincial regulations and decisions.

Since 2003, CyArk has amassed high-tech digital records of over 200 heritage sites in 40 countries, including Wat Phra Si San Phet in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.